NY Islanders Plus/Minus for 2023-24: Matt Martin hoping to have a repeat of last season

MINUS

Martin had a career season in 2022-23, really changing the minds of his doubters, who believed he was past his prime and needed to consider hanging up his skates.

Averaging just under 13 points a season since becoming a full-time NHLer in 2010, it's tough to believe Martin will have a repeat of last season. Odds are he'll regress towards the mean, as his spot in the lineup is not totally safe. If the Isles can find someone worthy of playing on the third-line wing and Martin finds himself struggling, he could be replaced by Fasching or AHL rookie with the Bridgeport Islanders, Eetu Liukas.

Lane Lambert and Lou Lamoriello expect energy and hard-nosed hockey from Martin, which he's always been known for. If either of those categories fails to reach expectations, there's not much more Martin can bring to the table for the Islanders. He's provided both for years, but as he ages, his body is bound to wear down at some point.

With this being the final season of his contract, it would be difficult to see Martin go out while severely struggling or even as a scratch, after all he's done since first taking the ice with the Islanders 14 years ago.